Trump Pressures GOP Holdouts to Pass “One Big, Beautiful Bill” Amid Narrow House Vote
WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump ramped up pressure early Thursday on Republican holdouts in the House to pass his sweeping tax and spending bill, branding it the “largest tax cuts in history” and warning lawmakers that resistance could cost them politically.
“Largest Tax Cuts in History and a Booming Economy vs. Biggest Tax Increase in History, and a Failed Economy. What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove???” Trump posted on social media. “MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!”
The House is currently voting on the Senate-passed version of the bill, aiming to deliver it to Trump’s desk for his signature by Friday. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a key Trump ally, has promised to keep the critical procedural vote open “as long as it takes” to rally the necessary support. At last count, the vote stood at 207-217 against the bill, with five Republicans voting “no” and eight others still undecided.
The Senate approved the bill on Tuesday with a 51-50 vote, Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote in favor. If passed, the legislation would enshrine many of Trump’s controversial domestic priorities into law while adding an estimated $3.4 trillion to the national debt.
Democrats have condemned the bill in stark terms. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries vowed that his caucus would vote “hell no,” criticizing the legislation for slashing Medicaid and nutrition programs in favor of massive tax breaks for the wealthy. “It’s unconscionable; it’s unacceptable; it’s un-American,” Jeffries said, urging four Republicans to show “John-McCain-level courage” and reject the bill.
Democrats staged a demonstration on the Capitol steps Wednesday to highlight the bill’s most contentious provisions, which include steep cuts to healthcare and food assistance for children, veterans, and seniors.
